When God Makes a Selection

 

When God Makes a Selection

1 Sam. 16:1-13

God clearly values inner character and faith over mere outer appearance, choosing the most unanticipated person for leadership. God looks much deeper to recognize good character.  We must force our judgment to peer deeper and ask questions that expose the correct kind of character. 

Is there Really a Difference?

Now compare the two concepts across other scriptures, realizing that true substance is far more important than public image:

1.     Character is What You Truly Are

·        1 Samuel 16:7. Accordingly, we must not judge people based on physical stature and outward presentation but evaluate the true condition of the character (the heart).

·        Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Our inward thoughts and motives dictate the reality of our actions.

2.   Reputation is Merely What People Think

·        Ecclesiastes 7:1, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” While reputation has earthly value, it is incredibly fragile.

·        Ecclesiastes 10:1, “Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.” It warns how easily a reputation can be ruined by a single unwise act.

·        Philippians 2:7 Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant...” Christ prioritized fulfilling His Father's will and perfect character over upholding an exalted public status.

3.   Two More Things Are Noteworthy Here:

·       David was the overlooked choice and selection of God. David was the youngest of eight sons. He was considered so insignificant by his own family that he was left behind in the fields tending sheep while his brothers attended a sacred feast. By choosing the most unlikely candidate, God demonstrated that He does not need human qualifications to accomplish His purposes.

·       The power of the Holy Spirit was permanently given (1 Sam. 16:13). When Samuel anointed David with oil, the Spirit of the Lord “came upon David from that day forward”. Anointing with oil was an symbol of being set apart for a holy, God-given mission. This divine dedication points to God’s anointing equipping the chosen individual with divine power, authority, and direction to fulfill this calling. This action represented unique and supernatural empowerment. Unlike the Old Testament era where the Holy Spirit occasionally came upon judges and kings for specific moments, this phrase indicates a permanent equipping of David for his ultimate destiny as king.

·       God judges the heart (v. 7). The principle of verse 7 has always been true: People do judge by looks, dress, and outward things. But today the mass media encourage this faulty outlook by using glamorous people in advertisements, television, and printed matter to such an extent that ordinary-looking people don’t seem as satisfactory as they should. Saul was tall, dark, and handsome. Actually, David was good-looking, too (v. 12), but still looked too young for major service. Unfortunately the church, especially on television, has often emphasized, not spirituality, but superficial glamor—with disastrous results when these TV idols fall.^[1]

In closing, the more we reject Bible-bases qualities the more we seem to embrace self-centered and materialistic traits without even realizing we are doing it. Things like beauty, physical attractiveness, handsomeness and a charming appearance have replaced God-honoring, productive, moral, consistent, and reliable attributes. Along with this fascination with appearances people have resorted to collecting diplomas and degrees, graduating from certain colleges, and certain state or federal certification. Neighbors care more about the house, the lawn, the car, the position, the amount made annually, and their carefully protected ‘image.’ People honestly believe these ‘advantages’ will serve them well…their goals will be realized. In all this God is on the outside waiting to be invited into our lives so we can stop pretending and finally get real. This emphasis consistently stresses God’s criteria for leadership—faith, humility, and integrity—are vastly different from the world’s measures. Beloved, we can finally start growing inwardly and externally to effect significant change. We are NOT ‘Pharisees’…so we can stop acting like them! It is time to permanently throw away the ‘mask’ and choose being real with God. Some individuals need to dethrone themselves, others need to stop worshipping ‘stuff and things,’ while yet others must break away from the grip of materialism. If we want our lives to mean something in the long run then it is time to join God by being real, authentic, a true disciple…. If we are real with Him, we will have little difficulty being real with people.

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 308–309.

God is Glorious

 

God is Glorious

There are qualities about God that defy descriptions and languages. The fact that God is glorious is accurate, but our appreciation of this concept falls extremely short of the intentions of the Word. Really language bends and even trembles attempting to define the ‘glory of God.’ It is here that I attempt the nearly impossible.

Glorious can describe God rather generally and provide a more explicit declaration on other occasions. Often the context provides the correct clues. In Exodus 33, Moses makes a very specific request to view the ‘glory’ of God. After being with the Lord on the mountain for this time and now routinely receiving directions and commandments from Him, Moses finally gets up the nerve to ask for the fascinating—"shew me thy glory”. We all yearn with Moses to know God more deeply and intimately.

Exodus 33:18-23, And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. ¹⁹ And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. ²⁰ And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. ²¹ And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: ²² And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: ²³ And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

Moses asked to see God’s glory, and the Lord responded by revealing His “goodness,” character, and “name”, instead of a direct visual image, because seeing God’s “face” would be deadly. In loving mercy, God protected Moses in a cleft of the rock, allowing him to see only His trailing presence. Beloved, while God is holy and beyond our understanding in tremendous ways, He reveals Himself personally to us as we seek Him, offering glimpses of His nature/character in the Word and Christ while lovingly protecting us in our frailness. Moses…emerged from that experience with God ‘brilliantly shining with awesome glory!’

From this and other passages, we may describe the “glory of God” as supreme magnificence, brilliant manifestation, and the radiant splendor of His holiness and power. We might say it’s a visible, overwhelming greatness of divine character and presence. God is the ultimate embodiment of honor, power, divine beauty, and perfection. Accordingly, He is deserving and yes, worthy of our complete praise and worship (Exodus 33:18-23; Isaiah 6:3).

Several passages join this one to portray the Lord God in this light as glorious:

1. Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”  
• All the natural creation is a persistent, silent witness to God’s fascinating existence, incredible power, and insightful wisdom. Creation reflects the Creator’s majesty, providing universal evidence of His craftmanship.
• David announced…a summary statement: the majestic Creation is evidence of the even more majestic Creator-God.^[1] Thus, the entire natural revelation is a potent declaration of how glorious God really is.
2. Isaiah 6:3: “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
• God’s holy presence and creative majesty is a pivotal declaration in Isaiah’s vision, emphasizing God’s absolute purity, majesty, and triune nature. The threefold repetition highlights the superlative holiness of God and His supreme sovereignty over all creation. 
• We are reminded that God’s unapproachable holiness is strengthened by the guarantee that His glory is present everywhere. He is viewed as high and exalted; this is how we need to view Him because it will deliver us from such small living. We would no longer make lax references to God or the Lord Jesus as ‘the Man upstairs.’
• They talk about Him as if He were a buddy and as if they could speak to Him in any way they please. My friend, you cannot rush into the presence of God. He doesn’t permit it. You come to the Father through Christ. This is the only way He can be approached. You can never come into the presence of the Father because of who you are. You come into His presence because you are in Christ. The Lord Jesus made that very clear when He said, “No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” If you are His child, you can come with boldness to the throne of grace, but you cannot come to Him on any other basis.^[2]
3. Psalm 57:5: "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth."  
• King David’s profound cry of praise and faith while hiding in a cave from enemies.
• He plead for God’s supreme power to be manifested, prioritizing God’s glory over personal safety or deliverance. David acknowledges God as higher than the heavens and superior to all earthly, threatening situations. Even in desperate danger ("among lions"), David stops to declare that God’s honor is more important than his own problems.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."  
• Every action in our life—from mundane tasks like eating and drinking to major decisions—should be done with the purpose of honoring and bringing glory to God.
• This is a kind of, “moral compass” for Christian living, emphasizing that worship is an all-inclusive lifestyle rather than just religious rituals.  We should be asking, “Will this bring glory to God?” before acting, ensuring our actions reflect God's character and lead others to Him.
5. Habakkuk 2:14: "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea."  
• The prophet promises that the knowledge of God’s glory will inevitably triumph with his righteousness, sovereignty, and truth over our wicked chaos. Our message of hope and comfort is that God will be universally recognized and glorified!
• We are encouraged to live with the expectation of this future reality, reflecting God’s glory in our lives today.
6. Romans 11:36: "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
1. God's absolute sovereignty is the Source (Creator), Sustainer (through whom all exists), and Ultimate Goal (for His glory) of all creation. Literally everything exists for His purpose. 
2. Therefore, our worship involves humbling ourselves to realize we exist for His glory, not our own.
7. Romans 3:23-26: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
1. God declares that everyone has sinned and fallen short of his glory, making everyone equally in need of salvation. Justification is a free gift of grace, achieved through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God offered as a propitiation (atonement) to satisfy justice.
2. Everyone without exception has broken God’s law and failed to measure up to His perfect standard of holiness. All people, regardless of background, are in a sinful state and cannot achieve righteousness on their own.
3. "Glory of God" points to God’s perfect, holy standard, which human actions, thoughts, and words fail to reflect. You see neither painstakingly following perfect rules nor belonging to an elite family makes you righteous in God’s eyes, but rather that everyone must be justified through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Beloved, God’s glory includes the immensity of creation (stars, planets, mountains, oceans), the person of Jesus Christ (incarnation, death, resurrection, ascension), supernatural appearances/manifestations like consuming fire or holy clouds, and the display of divine characteristics like sovereignty, love, mercy, and justice. All of these indicate God’s magnificence, holiness, brilliance, grandeur, and presence among us. 

The ultimate purpose of our existence along with all creation is to reflect His beauty, and we are instructed to do everything to His glory (1 Cor 10:31). Think about everything that was created: the universe, solar systems, suns, stars, the planets, moons, the ocean, the powerful lion, or the remarkable eagle in the sky, me and you–all creation demonstrates God’s glory. Nothing is exempt from his glory. 

Sometimes our choir sings a spectacular song detailing the fact that God is bigger, better, stronger, and greater! What a bold testimony of worship, exhortation, encouragement, and focus! Our Lord is indeed bigger, better, stronger, and greater! Another way to summarize all these qualities is to describe God as ‘glorious’!

Historically in my travels to various churches, I once…maybe even twice witnessed a believer so full of respect for God and at a place of an unusual high in the worship service exclaimed out of that unprecedented fullness, “Glory…Glory…GLORY…GLORY!” He was desperately trying (but miserably failing) to contain what he was experiencing at that moment. I was reduced to tears when I finally realized what was happening years later. Now I cannot help wondering if he got ‘JUST a glimpse’ of the glorious nature of God!

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^[1] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 807.

^[2] J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Commentary, electronic ed., vol. 3 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997), 209.

Choose to Be a Blessing

1 Peter 3:13-22 

SUBJECT: The Glory Inherent in Christian Suffering

THEME: Christ will turn our suffering and unfairness of today into triumph and glory for eternity because we are called to bless others.

RELEVANCE: being treated unfairly can leave us hurt, confused, disconcerted, and angry. The desire to get back at them…to make them feel the pains we have felt, is incredibly strong! These very real troubled heart feelings…. God addresses to guide our actions.

INTRODUCTION: No doubt Peter is addressing Believers who have already experience some lose because of their faith in Christ. These believers are not suffering because of some mental, emotional, or relational abnormality. They are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ, they are disadvantaged by society because they confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord and not some self-absorbed political leader. This is why they are suffering… (1Pet. 1:10-2:25). There is room to apply this counsel to our own sufferings rooted in a bold testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ in our own time. Many countrymen may not agree…unfortunately many ‘Christians’ will reject this notion in favor of a softer and more traditional view. None of this changes what God vitally said to hurting Believers.

MESSAGE:

BELIEVER’S SUFFERINGS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE WILL RESULT IN REWARDS; OUR SPIRTUAL TRIBULATIONS WILL BECOME TRIUMPHS IN GOD! 1 Peter 3:13-22

  A.  THE SUFFERING BELIEVER’S IS CHARGED TO DEFEND OUR FAITH IN CHRIST, 1 Pet. 3:13-15

           1. We Are Charged to Walk in Faith and Not Fear   vs 13-14

                  (a) It is unlikely that a Christian will suffer for doing good.  The government and the boss will very likely appreciate it. Husbands and fellow believers will appreciate it too.    Vs 13

                  (b) There is the possibility of suffering for righteousness’ sake, this is a blessed condition from God’s perspective.   Vs 14  

Matt 5:11-12, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12,  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

                  (c) What can I expect as the result of my suffering? 

                              * God could overcome the suffering for His own glory. (Example in the Book of Esther--God delivered the suffering Jews from the wicked Haman and the Jewish Holiday Purim celebrates the great deliverance of God and thus He is glorified).

                              * God could use the suffering to bring blessing to others. (Example of using your testimony of a trial to help someone else through a difficult time).

                              * God could bless the one who suffers for His name’s sake. (Example of mature saints who have suffered much and they have a real deep knowledge of God’s goodness and Faithfulness). Hudson Taylor the great missionary was a powerful Christian who suffered much, and God rewarded him over and over with the blessing of a deepening and healthy fellowship with his Savior.                            

           2. We Are Charged to Defend the Faith    Vs 15

                    (a) We are to Set the Lord Apart in our Hearts. 

This should be to such an extent that He has our entire life.  There is no room for your will anymore, only the will of God.  There is no room anymore in your life for your hang ups, only the plan of God for your life.  All that we do and say should be for his glory and pleasure.

The Lordship of Christ should dominate every area of our lives---our possessions, our occupation, our library, our marriage, our spare time---nothing can be excluded.

                     (b) We are to Readily Defend and Share our Faith and Hope in Jesus Christ.

Vs 15, ‘Answer’ here means a defense for one’s belief. Primarily this deals with the saint under heavy persecution.  They should not cower but boldly defend the faith with reverence to God and respect to one’s persecutors.

Also, we from day to day will have opportunity to witness of God’s goodness in our lives and we are to do it with gentleness ‘meekness’ and with reverence ‘fear”.  There should be no trace of harshness, bitterness or flippancy when we speak of our Lord and Savior.

  B.  THE SUFFERING BELIEVER IS CONSCIENCE OF GOD’S WILL IN THE PURSUIT OF DOING WELL, 1 PET. 3:16-17

           1.  Let Us Maintain a Good Conscience   vs 16

‘Conscience’ means an awareness of God’s presence and will.  When we conduct ourselves in accordance with His will and walk in light of His presence, we maintain a ‘good conscience’. It is the Lord God that we want to please and represent more than any thing else. The question is are our values cultural or eternal?

           2.  Let Our Suffering Be Because of Well Doing   vs 17

Christians who suffer unjustly and keep a clear conscience put to shame those who slander their good behavior in Christ. Once again Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.

3:17. However, Peter pointed out that it may be God’s will (thelēma; cf. 2:15; 4:2, 19) for them to suffer for doing good (cf. 1:6; 2:15; 4:16, 19). This, as he told them earlier, “is commendable before God” (2:20) and so is better than deserved suffering for doing evil (cf. 2:14). First Peter 3:17 is an effective summary of the content of 2:15, 19–20.^[a]

If a Christian must suffer, which might sometimes be God’s will for him, it should be for doing good. But he should not bring suffering on himself for his own misdeeds; there is no virtue in that.^[b]

  C.   THE SUFFERING BELIEVER IS CALLED TO FOLLOW THE HOPE FILLED EXAMPLE OF CHRIST’S TRIUMPH, 1 Pet. 3:18-22

           1.  We Are Called to Follow Christ’s Example, vs 18   

(He suffered unjustly to, but it was for our benefit) “That He might bring use to God”

                *Christ suffered unjustly—we will suffer unjustly too for righteousness sake.

                *Christ suffered for our benefit—"to bring us to God”—we must suffer for others benefit.  This is part of what being a Missionary is all about.  This is part of what serving in a church is all about.  You may have to miss out on a Sunday School class or a Message to serve others. This is what serving in the nursery is all about. But we still do it to follow our Savior’s example and to bring others closer to the Lord.

                *Christ suffered even unto death—We will need to die to self to follow Christ. We must take up our cross daily and follow Him. Some may even sacrifice themselves to protect other Believers.

                *Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit-- “quickened by the Spirit”.  We today as believers are to walk in the power of a new life and we in this new life are called to bring others to Christ, following our Lord’s example. Just as the Spirit raised Christ, He will empower us to fulfil the will of God.  Let God use our sufferings to bring others to God!

           2. We Are Called to Bare Witness Through Our Sufferings, vs 19-20   

(Christ never forsook His witness and no matter how low we get; we must never forsake our Testimony and Witness)

       * ‘PREACHED UNTO THE SPIRITS IN PRISON’   vs 19

               (a)  The act of Christ between His death and resurrection when He descended into Hell and proclaimed His victory at Calvary to the demonic hordes held in that part of Hell. Jesus made a proclamation of His victory over death to the rebellious angels who had been placed in prison. His proclamation was also a form of judgment on them because of their sin and rebellion. This idea also seems to be supported by <2 Peter 2:4> and <Jude 6>.  (See also Eph.4:8-10)

              (b) Vs 20, Christ also Proclaimed His Victory to the Saints of God from all the Ages and this act vindicated their faith before the unbelievers of all ages. Especially the unbelieving Souls of Noah’s day.   Just as God Vindicated the faith of Noah and His family by saving them through the flood in the safety of the Ark; He will also Vindicate the Faith of the saint who suffers for righteousness sake in our time. Just as Noah and His family experienced deliverance from judgement, and deliverance into a new day and new hope, we will also experience safety from divine judgement and deliverance into a new and glorious day free of suffering, persecution, pain, and rejection.  Delivered into the very presence of God by the Ark of Jesus Christ accompany by everlasting triumph.

THE TRUTH IS NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE ARE MOCKED AND PERSECUTED IN THIS LIFE, NO MATTER HOW STUPID WE MAY LOOK IN THE EYES OF PEOPLE FOR FOLLOWING OUR LORD’S INSTRUCTIONS….  WE WILL BE COMPLETELY VINDICATED FOR OUR FAITH AND OBEDIENCE BEFORE THE FALLEN ANGELS AND BEFORE THE LOST OF ALL GENERATIONS. OUR COMMITMENT AND FAITHFULLNESS WILL PLACE US IN THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD RADIATING WITH THE GLORY OF CHRIST JESUS! OUR SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE IS NOT IN VAIN, IT WILL CLIMAX IN SPLENDID GLORY! THIS IS THE SUM OF SUFFERING FOR CHRIST’S SAKE!

APPLICATION: Child of God, when you are most angry…when you know the situation is not fair…when people treat you wrong for doing right…when you feel justified and encouraged to get even…think instead about the eternal, the final triumph, standing vindicated and blameless in the very presence of Almighty God. Make the conscience choice to take it, accept the unfairness from people, focus on their needs and not necessarily what they say…persist and insist on doing good regardless. Tell God honestly what you are feeling…that is enough for now…He is enough even when life hurts…. Continue to be a witness.

               3.  We Are Called to Completely Identify with Christ’s Triumph, vs 21-22 (Those who suffer with Christ will Reign with Christ)

                    (a) Jesus Christ was Raised to a Justified Life. We Identify (baptism) with this justification when we trusted Him as Savior.  His life counts for our life. His death count for our death. His resurrection counts for our resurrection. We receive credit for having paid our debt to sin and are no longer obligated to sin.  Christ suffering for our sin was a BAPTISM.

Luke 12:50, But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Mark 10:38, But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

Rom 6:3-4, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4, Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

                    (b) Vs 21, Jesus Christ fulfilled a purpose in His Sufferings, and we must Identify with this Purpose in our sufferings, which is the answer of a good Conscience towards God.  Conscience is the awareness of God’s will and Presence.  God wants us to submit ourselves in suffering and be a good witness. We understand now what His will is for suffering saints, and we must act accordingly to maintain a good conscience before God.

                     (c) Vs 22, Jesus Christ suffered unfairly, but now He is exalted and glorified. Suffering always leads to Glory. If we suffer with Him or if we more completely Identify (Baptism) with Him, we will be glorified together with Him.  We will reign with him in Victory—Our Tribulation, Suffering and Submission will turn to Triumph, Honor, Dominion and Power!

Rom 8:17-18, And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

CONCLUSION: 

News like this will help us smile through the tears, confusion, and persecutions when life hurts the most! The temptation to settle the score or get even is tremendous, multifaceted, unrelenting, and rooted in a people or cultural sense of identity. Be really careful with ‘door mat’ or ‘good guy’ analogies they are more cultural and are built on humanistic ideas of our value and worth. Our goal is to be of value to God’s character as His witnesses, and to advance His kingdom above all else which has eternal significance. It helps when you are bent on living for eternal importance rather then cultural, political, or religious ideas.

There is no doubt, there will come a day when the Sum of Our Suffering will equal Glory!  Life may be unfair for the moment, and we may have to endure difficulties and hardships for some time. But great will be the reward of the saint who stays true to the Lord. Beloved, this is far more then an oversimplification. I get it…life is complex and messy, but these principles are still applicable to us today.

We must, therefore, conduct ourselves as brothers with compassion and sensitivity one towards others. 

We must seek peace and prayerfulness with each other and all men as much as possible; refusing to resort to an attitude of retaliation and getting even. 

Most of all, we need to look to the example of our Lord Jesus and follow closely in His steps for they lead to glory with Him in the presence of God. Beloved, we are called to be a blessing and not a curse! May we treat others like God treats everyone, including us.

Continue to follow God’s instructions as a suffering saint, He will one day vindicate our faith before this wicked generation just as He did with Noah in his day. You do not need to worry about doing this for yourself at this time in this generation.

When dreams seem to fade in this life, we will still have the hope of the next life with Christ! Therefore, it is glory all the way!

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^[a] Roger M. Raymer, “1 Peter,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 850.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2271. 

Who Are You?

 

Ephesians 1:1-14

 Introduction: Have you ever wondered about who you are? Where do you really belong? I have wondered about the same things on more than a few occasions. You're in good company. We perceive that so much of our future depends on having a solid mental grip on our past, but it is important to remember that we are not controlled or limited by our past. In fact, it is our new identity "in Christ" that sparks great interest for me.

This is not an attempt to emphasize human ingenuity over solid theology, mere self-actualization over Christ-centered reality, or personal aggrandizement over godly appreciation. Our real purpose, potential, meaning, significance and uniqueness grows out of this key realization—our new character with God. We are "in Christ" as saved individuals. Our affiliations, ethnicity, acceptance, and values are traced to their proper placement when we understand our identity in Christ first. Also, our need for human or cultural validation disappears as we recognize God himself has already validated each of His children. Notice the following thoughts about us....

Message:

I.               The Significance of Being “In Christ”. Eph. 1:1

“The faithful in Christ Jesus”…defines the “saints” and could be rendered “that is, the believers in Christ Jesus.” These saints were in Christ Jesus, not in Adam or the goddess Artemis of Ephesus. While believers have geographical locations (e.g., “Ephesus”), spiritually they are positioned “in Christ” (cf. “in Christ at Colosse” in Col. 1:2). Paul used “in Christ Jesus,” “in Christ,” or “in Him” quite frequently. In Ephesians 1:1–14 the phrase occurs nine times! Christians have their very life in Christ.^[1]

That is correct...we are viewed by God as being "in Christ Jesus" now...altogether differently than before we were saved. Our validation comes from Him, thereby eliminating the need for affirmations, worthiness, or acceptance that come to us from mere people. If you have felt dismissed or even regarded as unacceptable by others, there is something our heavenly Father wants you to know as one of His children. God is also interested in who you are...not just what you did or didn’t do. He spells out our identity (our beliefs, attitudes, and our external behavior) in several places in the Scriptures, but especially here in Ephesians chapter 1. Beloved, you will never need to wonder if you belong or if you are wanted by God ever again.

There is a healthy type of freedom that comes with this realization. Jesus Christ made all the difference concerning our present situation and our future. Our future is not determined by our past—we are freed from our awful history. We have and can enjoy these blessings because we are properly identified with God through faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Without Christ we are nothing, we have nothing, and we have no position or future! Great should be our love and appreciation of God because of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

II.            The Specifics of Our New Identity. Eph. 1:2-14

I encourage you to recognize, confess, admit, declare, or acknowledge these realities to God daily for a month. Watch God’s truth transform your life.

      1.     I have a gracious heavenly Father-God, and I am his precious Child (Eph. 1:2)

      2.     I presently have all spiritual blessings (my union with Christ and seat with Him) as a part of God’s eternal plan (Eph. 1:3)

      3.     I am selected by God my gracious Father; He wants and treasures even someone like me (Eph. 1:3-4a)

      4.     I am part of God my Father’s wise historical plans; I have an incredible role of holiness and blamelessness assigned to me directly by Him (Ep. 1:4-5)

      5.     I am intentionally adopted by my spiritual Father into His amazing family; I have a place where I belong and a holy inheritance as an adult child (Eph. 1:5)

      6.     I am graciously accepted by God my Father and it is Christ Jesus who affords me this amazing status of acceptance (Eph. 1:6)

      7.     I am redeemed by God and overjoyed with gratitude because it’s through the staggering blood of Christ Jesus my Lord I am so privilege (Eph. 1:7)

      8.     I am astronomically forgiven by God through my stunning Lord Jesus Christ which evidenced God’s indescribable grace (Eph. 1:7)

      9.     I am included in God’s grand purpose; God is not ashamed of me...He did not renounce or disassociate Himself from me (Eph. 1:8-10)

      10.  I have a continuous inheritance and intentional purpose prescribed by God my Father as part of His design and intentions for all His people including me (Eph. 1:11)

      11.   I am sealed (preserved and delivered) by the Holy Spirit because I heard and believed the glorious gospel salvation message (Eph. 1:12-13)        

      12.   I am guaranteed and currently awaiting final and full redemption of my person, and this motivates me to live for the praise of God’s glory (Eph. 1:14)

Beloved, these statements described how God views each of us who are His children! You are wanted, you are desired, you belong, you matter, you count, you have purpose, meaning, significance, a role, and a future "in Christ." It would be great if some celebrated human being said these things about you, but the God of the universe said these instead about you by His grace and because you are "in Christ." Just allow that to sink in... give that truth permission to penetrate your mind and heart. How transformative this is...how freeing these realities are! 

III.         The Spiritual Location of Blessings. Eph. 1:3

Notice, too, that these are “all spiritual blessings” [Eph.1:3]. The simplest way to explain this is to contrast them with the blessings of Israel under the law. In the OT, a faithful, obedient Jew was rewarded with long life, a large family, abundant crops, and protection from his enemies (Deut. 28:2–8). The blessings of Christianity, in contrast, are spiritual, that is, they deal with treasures that are nonmaterial, invisible, and imperishable. It is true that the OT saints also enjoyed some spiritual blessings, but as we shall see, the Christian today enjoys blessings that were unknown in previous times.

Our blessings are in the heavenly places, literally “in the heavenlies.” Instead of being material blessings in earthly places, they are spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.^[2]

Conclusion:

1.     First, with these insights believe God and not your ever-changing emotions. Believe God and not the mere opinions of other people. Just because someone label you or misidentify you does not mean their descriptions are accurate! Don't be afraid to abandon old ideas, perceptions, values, and strategies! Place your confidence in what God said in the Word and reject your feelings as misinformed or incomplete. Reject those inaccurate portrayals by your enemies and others who commonly mischaracterize who you really are. You are free to dismiss, disregard, refuse, and reject such false accusations...even if they come from your culture! If any accusation is true, we must confess our sin to God, ask for their forgiveness, and from that day forward live according to God's expectations. 

2.     Secondly, live for the glory of God and seek to evidence His grace each day (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Expect to be misunderstood, get used to being characterized as crazy or delusional, and expect family and friends to talk you out of pursuing God's will. Many will discredit your godly claims. Allow yourself to be consumed with executing the plan and will of God as revealed in the Word and by your personal walk in the power of the Spirit. Surrender to God and His will and don't look back; He really has your eternal good in mind. God reserved a place and role just for you. Do it!

3.     Thirdly, since salvation is all of God’s grace, Christians certainly ought to praise Him for it! And that is why they were chosen: to give Him praise (cf. “Praise be to … God,” v. 3).^[3] There is no greater purpose or reason for existence than His glory and nothing motivates us like the grace of God. Make this your focus and pursuit in all things, and when you stand before Christ at the judgment seat for rewards, He will honor you because you lived to honor Him.

4.     Lastly, I am asking you to accept these statements and promises with every fiber of your being. Take them personally and intimately to recognize, confess, admit, declare, or acknowledge them as living truthful realities to God your heavenly Father daily for at least a month. Personally witness God’s truth setting you free from rejection, insecurity, fear, and inadequacy as you interact with others! There is no need to hide behind a false identity or behave in ways unbecoming of a child of God! You are free now "in Christ" with a new identity and purpose. God is a God of the living and not the dead; transformation is what He desires for you and me. Choose life; choose your new identity in Christ.

^[1] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 615.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1906.

^[3] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 617.